Red-Hot Hatch - The 1980s stand as a golden age for car enthusiasts, particularly those captivated by the audacious world of tuner vehicles. This era witnessed an explosion of creativity, with daring designs and groundbreaking modifications dominating the automotive scene. Among the remarkable creations of that time is the enigmatic Sbarro Super Eight—a car that blends performance, ingenuity, and eccentricity into a singular, unforgettable package.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight, with its striking fiberglass body and bold 1980s-inspired design, perfectly captures the daring spirit of that era's automotive trends. (Picture from: Motor1) |
To truly appreciate the brilliance of the Sbarro Super Eight, we must first understand its visionary creator, Franco Sbarro. Known for his unconventional approach to automotive design, Sbarro had a penchant for pushing boundaries. His earlier masterpiece, the Sbarro Super Twelve, unveiled in 1982, showcased his ambition. By coupling two six-cylinder Kawasaki Z1300 engines, he produced an impressive 240 horsepower in a vehicle weighing just 800 kilograms.  |
| The cherry-red Sbarro Super Eight hatchback, built on a shortened Ferrari 308 GTB platform, is poised to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
This lightweight powerhouse set the stage for the debut of the Sbarro Super Eight in 1984. The Super Eight, though equally distinctive, took a slightly different route. Like its predecessor, it remained a one-off marvel, designed not for mass production but as a testament to Sbarro's innovative spirit. The compact dimensions of the car—just 3.15 meters in length—belie its powerful core. Its striking fiberglass body, adorned with bold 1980s-style design elements, encapsulates the audacity of that decade's automotive trends.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight's ribbed side air intakes enhance its aggressive design while efficiently channeling air to the V8 engine for peak performance. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
This isn’t just a visual statement; the Super Eight’s aesthetics have a
functional edge, with air intakes designed to channel airflow to its
Ferrari-derived heart. At the core of the Sbarro Super Eight lies the engineering brilliance of Ferrari. Built on a shortened platform of the Ferrari 308 GTB, it incorporates the iconic Italian marque's 2,927cc V8 engine. Producing 240 horsepower, this mid-mounted powertrain is paired with a five-speed manual transmission in Ferrari's signature gated shifter style.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight's interior retains many original Ferrari 308 components, featuring brown leather upholstery with cloth inserts on the seats and door panels, complemented by wood accents on the dashboard and door caps for a sophisticated touch. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
The rear-wheel drive system, double-wishbone suspension, and disc brakes at all four corners ensure that the Super Eight delivers performance as thrilling as its appearance. The ribbed side air intakes not only enhance its aggressive design but also serve a crucial purpose—feeding air to the V8 engine for optimal performance.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight, equipped with a three-spoke MOMO steering wheel wrapped in brown leather, seamlessly integrates Veglia Borletti instrumentation and a steering column retaining its original VIN. (Picture from: BringATrailer) |
Step inside the Sbarro Super Eight, and you're immediately transported back to the 1980s. The interior retains much of the Ferrari 308's original components, from its switchgear to the steering column, complete with its original VIN.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight featured a mid-mounted 2,927cc V8 engine from the Ferrari 308 GTB, paired with a five-speed manual and Ferrari's iconic gated shifter. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Brown leather upholstery with cloth inserts covers the two seats and door panels, while wood accents on the dashboard and door caps add a touch of sophistication. Features like power windows, a gated shifter, and a Clarion stereo system with a cassette player provide a blend of luxury and nostalgia. The three-spoke MOMO steering wheel, wrapped in brown leather, pairs seamlessly with Veglia Borletti instrumentation, offering precision readouts for speed, RPMs, and essential engine metrics.
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| The Sbarro Super Eight hatchback, a one-of-a-kind creation, stands as a rare and highly coveted piece of automotive history. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Beyond its engineering and design, the Sbarro Super Eight’s exclusivity and rarity amplify its allure. With only one example ever built, it has become a coveted piece of automotive history. Currently up for auction in Paris, the vehicle has resurfaced after its previous listing in Belgium four years ago, where it was priced at $183,000. With just under 19,000 miles on the odometer, this cherry-red hatchback remains in remarkable condition, poised to capture the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike. | uUrcWDWoSlc |
The Sbarro Super Eight is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of unbridled creativity and innovation in an era defined by daring experimentation. Its combination of Ferrari performance, unique design, and the audacity of Franco Sbarro makes it a masterpiece of 1980s automotive culture. Whether you're drawn to its one-of-a-kind charm or its historical significance, the Super Eight is a reminder that the most extraordinary creations often come from those willing to defy convention and dream big. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | RADICAL-MAG | MOTOR1 | BRINGATRAILER ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
